09/11/2014

The 10K Wolf Run at Stanford Hall

When Mr C announced he had signed up for the Wolf Run this November, I didn't for one minute think he would do it. You see, Mr C's been telling everyone he's going to do our local half marathon for the last couple of years and that's not happened yet. He goes to the gym regularly and he was gently persuaded by some of the group there to do it, but I'll give him his due, he was excited about it and said he would train hard!

Hmm.....not sure about the training hard bit but he did some training as we rapidly approached the end of October!!! You see the small group he was doing it with are all fit and Mr C won't mind me saying that although he is quite fit, he is overweight and he is not a great runner! So I was concerned that he would find this too tough.

So what is the Wolf run I hear you saying. Well it's wild running.

Here's how the Wolf Run team describe it:

The Wolf Run is Wild Running - a unique combination of three kinds of off-road running: mud runs, trail runs and obstacle runs. The only Wild Run in the UK, it’s a hardcore 10k run across raw natural terrain, including open ground, woodland, lakes & thick mud.

Running in a pack, or as a lone wolf, you’ll tackle a series of tough obstacles - both man-made and natural - designed to test your mental & physical strength, skill and stamina. You’ll run, climb, jump, wade, crawl and swim through a course designed to challenge you on every level.

He could have started with the Summer Wolf challenge, apparently the course is a totally different beast in the Winter, but oh no he had to dive straight in! So, last Sunday we found ourselves here. Stanford Hall in Leicestershire. I didn't realise the event would be so big.

Can I just say as well, that some of the photo quality is not great from various locations as most had to be taken on my phone as it was too much of a struggle trying to hold a big camera and a huge golf umbrella at the same time. The weather was not kind to us.

The wolves were released at different intervals throughout the day and Mr C and the team had a 10.10am start time. They were grateful for that as they didn't fancy waiting around all day, I think the last wolves set off at 2.30pm. Be getting dark by the time so of them crossed the finish line!

The groups were taken into a big pen and made to do warm up exercises by some military looking type people. Looking at this motley crew I'm surprised the officials didn't take one look and tell them not to bother!!!

Some look like they're doing the hokey cokey never mind exercise! Bless.

And they're off.

Here's a tiny video of Mr C's pack setting off straight into the water. Plenty of squealing and screaming going on!!!!

Some starting to emerge from the woods and the deep muddy bogs. Nice. Mr C said so many people were stuck fast up to their waist and just couldn't get out. There's probably someone still there now!!

They'd already had to swim across a deep part of the river before they got to this point here and being the gentleman that he is, Mr C had to piggy back a woman across the river who was on the verge of having a panic attack. She made it safely.

We stood on a bridge and could see the runners coming over the fields in the distance. This part of the river was covered in bright green algae and as the runners were coming through the woods and having to get in the water we did laugh at all the expletives that were being shouted out! Hilarious. This was at approx 7.5k

Lots more tough obstacles followed.

I love this action shot of Mr C.

Although this climbing wall may not look very high to you, it was tough going for everyone, as they were wet, worn out and energy-less. After this one they then had to tackle huge hay bales.

They made it, it one piece.

There were water hoses to shower yourself down afterwards so Mr C changed out of his muddy wet clothes and you guessed it, this is where we headed!

A well deserved pint for Mr C.

Well, what can I say? I am so so proud of my wonderful husband. I doubted he would get to the event, but he did. I worried, as he's not really a runner, that he would be able to keep up the pace of his team, but he did. I worried he may not finish, but he did. In fact, he loved it and can't wait to sign up for one next year. Bit more training though next time, hey?

The Wolf run is not a race, although Mr C did set his watch and they did it in 1:45, it is a demanding physical and mental challenge. Having said that, are you ready for this, I would LOVE to do it. Standing watching everyone, and all the teams supporting and helping each other was inspiring and got me excited about the thought, could I really do it? I 'think' I would like to push myself and set myself the challenge of getting over that finish line. I heard there were over 3000 people that had entered this one, and people of all shapes and sizes and all ages were there, the oldest entrant in one event being 72 years old! Wow. If they can do it, so can I. I just have to get my arthritis under control, and that's easier said than done, so watch this space! Perhaps the summer one would be a good start? Oh and I need a team. Anyone?

To finish I would like to say that the whole event was really well organised. There were lots of food and drinks stalls, things going on for the kiddie spectators, and a band playing away in the bar. The atmosphere was full of fun and nervous energy and I really enjoyed being there and supporting not just Mr C and the team but everyone taking part. What an achievement.

2 comments

Well done Mr C! What an amazing achievement! Brilliant photos too Steph, can't believe they were done on your phone! I think you should definitely do one of these in the summer! : ) Heather x x p.s I couldn't watch the video? It said it was private : ( x x